Covert Narcissistic Relationship Pattern is tricky but not tough, we got you some ways so you can understand if it’s or not
The narcissistic individual may appear charming and supportive at first, but over time they may begin to use manipulation and mind games to confuse and control the other person.
This can be damaging to the person on the receiving end, as they may begin to doubt their own perceptions, memories, and sanity.
It is important to recognize the signs of a covert narcissistic relationship pattern and to seek help if necessary.
10 Ways To Covert Narcissistic Relationship Pattern-
Gaslighting and manipulation
Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation in which a person or group manipulates another person or group into doubting their own perceptions, memories, or sanity. This is often done through a variety of tactics, such as telling lies, withholding information, or using mind games to confuse and manipulate the other person or group.
Controlling behaviour and isolation
Controlling behaviour is a type of behaviour in which one person tries to control or dominate the other person in a relationship. This can take many forms, such as controlling what the other person does, who they talk to, where they go, and what they think.
Isolation is a common tactic used by people who engage in controlling behaviour. They may try to isolate the other person from their friends, family, and other sources of support in order to make them more dependent on them. This can make it difficult for the person being controlled to get help or support from others and can make it easier for the controlling person to continue their behaviour.
Projection of blame onto the victim
Projection is a defence mechanism in which an individual attributes their own thoughts, feelings, or motivations to another person or group. This is often done to avoid taking responsibility for their own actions or dealing with their own negative thoughts or emotions.
In the context of a victim of abuse, the abuser may use projection as a way to blame the victim for their own behaviour. For example, if the abuser is feeling angry, they may accuse the victim of being angry, and try to make the victim feel like they are the one who is doing something wrong.
Lack of accountability and remorse
Lack of accountability refers to a failure to take responsibility for one’s actions. This can manifest in many ways, such as refusing to accept blame, making excuses, or shifting the blame onto someone else.
Lack of remorse is the inability or unwillingness to feel sorry for one’s actions. A person who lacks remorse may not show any regret or empathy for the harm they have caused, and may not take any steps to make amends or to prevent similar harm in the future.
Love bombing and intermittent reinforcement
Love bombing is a tactic used by some people to manipulate and control others in a relationship. It involves overwhelming the other person with displays of affection, attention, and flattery, in order to gain their trust and to make them more dependent on the person using this tactic.
Intermittent reinforcement is a psychological concept that refers to reinforcing a behaviour only sometimes, rather than consistently. This can make the behaviour more difficult to extinguish, as the person being reinforced is not always sure when they will receive reinforcement, and therefore they may continue the behaviour in order to try to obtain reinforcement.
Invalidation of the victim’s feelings and experiences
Invalidation is the act of rejecting, ignoring, or judging someone else’s thoughts, feelings, or experiences. This can be damaging to the person on the receiving end, as it can make them feel like their thoughts, feelings, and experiences are not valid or worthy of attention.
In the context of a victim of abuse, the abuser may use invalidation as a tactic to control and manipulate the victim. For example, they may tell the victim that their feelings are wrong, that they are overreacting, or that their experiences are not real. This can make the victim doubt their own perceptions and experiences, and can make it more difficult for them to seek help or to leave the abusive situation.
Use of triangulation to manipulate and gain control
Triangulation is a tactic used by some people to manipulate and control others in a relationship. It involves bringing a third party into the relationship in order to create conflict and confusion, and to gain control over the other person.
For example, if Person A is in a relationship with Person B, and Person A wants to manipulate and control Person B, they may bring a third person (Person C) into the relationship. They may try to create conflict between Person B and Person C, or they may try to make Person B feel jealous or insecure. This can create confusion and distress for Person B, and can make them more dependent on Person A for support and validation.
Emotional and psychological abuse
Emotional and psychological abuse is a type of abuse that involves the use of non-physical tactics, such as manipulation, coercion, and control, to harm or control another person. This type of abuse can be difficult to recognize and to prove, as it does not leave physical marks or injuries. However, it can be just as damaging, if not more so, than physical abuse.
Examples of emotional and psychological abuse include:
- Gaslighting
- Controlling behaviour
- Isolation
- Blaming and shaming
- Invalidation of feelings and experiences
- Threats and intimidation
- Humiliation and degradation
- Withholding affection or attention
- Manipulation and coercion
If you are in a situation where you are being emotionally or psychologically abused, it is important to recognize the signs and to seek help. A therapist or counsellor can provide you with the support and guidance you need to cope with the situation and to develop a plan to get out of the abusive situation.
Financial exploitation and manipulation
Financial exploitation is the illegal or improper use of a person’s funds, assets, or property for another person’s gain. This can include stealing money or property, using a person’s funds without their permission, or misusing a person’s financial information.
Financial manipulation is a type of psychological manipulation in which a person uses financial means to control or dominate another person. This can include withholding money or access to financial resources, coercing the other person into giving money or property or using financial threats or intimidation to gain control.
Use of coercion and threats to maintain control.
Coercion is the act of using pressure, threats, or intimidation to persuade someone to do something against their will. This can include threatening to harm the person or their loved ones, threatening to expose embarrassing or damaging information about the person, or threatening to withhold something the person wants or needs.
Threats are statements or actions that indicate that someone will be harmed or punished if they do not do something. They can be used as a form of coercion, in order to persuade the person to do something against their will.
Bottom line
In conclusion, a covert narcissistic relationship pattern is a form of psychological manipulation in which one person uses gaslighting tactics to control and dominate the other person.
This type of relationship can be damaging to the person on the receiving end, and it is important to recognize the signs and to seek help if necessary.
A therapist or counsellor can provide the support and guidance needed to cope with the situation and to develop a plan to move forward.
Also Read: Build Long Lasting Relationships
